Goal for this year is to build 10 wells in the Zambezi Province of Mozambique

Walla Walla University students are joining Wilkinson Baking Company and private donors to provide as many as 30,000 Mozambicans with clean water. The project, headed by the Associated Students of Walla Walla University, follows a tradition of organizing an ambitious service project each year. ASWWU’s goal for this year is to build 10 wells in the Zambezi Province of Mozambique.

Most people in the rural communities of Mozambique are surviving on an average of 8 ounces of water per day. According to the World Health Organization, access to clean water can increase a person’s life expectancy by 20 years and lower infant mortality rates by up to 50 percent.

The first community to receive a well has 3,678 people. If the goal of 10 wells is met, as many as 30,000 people would have access to clean water. The Mission Mozambique fundraising goal is $60,000. To drill a well and have routine maintenance performed, $6,000 is needed.

Wilkinson Bread Company and anonymous donors have agreed to match what the university raises $2 to $1, therefore if the university raises $20,000 the goal of $60,000 will be met.

Wilkinson Baking Company, founded and operated by WWU alumni Ron Wilkinson and Eric Wilkinson, have created the world’s first fully automated in-store bread bakery. In addition to the company’s goal of making quality fresh bread, the company designates part of its profits to well-drilling projects in Africa.

Several fundraisers are taking place throughout the rest of the school year including a food festival and talent show.